The Fecal Resistome of Beef Cattle from Conventional Grain-fed and Grass-fed Systems in the Western United States

Whether different beef production systems impact the abundance and composition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and their antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in cattle feces is currently unknown. This study aimed to characterize and compare the fecal resistome of cattle raised in various grass- and grain-feeding systems in the Western United States. The findings offer valuable insights into how different cattle feeding practices influence the presence and composition of ARGs in cattle feces, thereby helping producers make informed decisions to enhance the safety of beef products.